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<PAGE> PAGE 3
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<PAGE> PAGE 4
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SIGNATURE BARRY FINK
TITLE VICE PRESIDENT
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
TCW/DW TOTAL RETURN TRUST
SEMI-ANNUAL NSAR 01/31/97
FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE
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<CIK> 0000926272
<NAME> TCW/DW TOTAL RETURN TRUST
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